Demba Ba to be used as bait as Chelsea step up their bid for Inter Milan midfielder Fredy Guarin

Demba Ba scored against Steau Bucharest in the Champions League but a lack of goals in the Premier League makes him expendable at Chelsea (Picture: Reuters)

Chelsea are willing to offer Demba Ba to Inter Milan as part of the deal which will bring midfielder Fredy Gaurin to Stamford Bridge.

The two clubs are negotiating a fee for the Colombian midfielder but are still some way apart with the Blues reluctant to meet the £16.5m valuation placed on their target.

According to Italian source Calciomercato News, Inter coach Walter Mazzarri is dithering over the prospect of having Senegal striker Ba as a makeweight in any agreement.

Inter need their attack strengthened but the former Newcastle man has seen his form dip alarmingly since joining Chelsea last January as he has scored just three goals in the Premier League for the Londoners.

Ba’s Chelsea future looks gloomy with manager Jose Mourinho yesterday linked with a £48m bid for Napoli striker Gonzalo Higuain, who used to play for him at Real Madrid.

If the Senegalese does not head to the San Siro as part of a package for Guarin, he may return to Upton Park to boost West Ham’s limp attack.